Brazil

Pope Francis has expressed concern about the fires that are devastating the Amazon forest, which he called "a vital lung for the planet," according to world agencies.

Six states in Brazil's Amazon region requested military help on Aug. 24 to combat record fires that are tearing through the rainforest, provoking an international outcry because of the Amazon's central role in combating global warming.

The G-7 summit continues in the French resort of Biarritz. Following the formal opening on Saturday night, the leaders of the seven most advanced industrialized nations are beginning the talks.

President Jair Bolsonaro on Aug. 23 authorized the deployment of Brazil's armed forces to help combat fires raging in the Amazon rainforest, as a growing global outcry over the blazes sparks protests and threatens a huge trade deal.

Destruction of these forests can have a devastating impact on all humanity.
The Amazon forests or ''the lungs'' of the Earth. It is one of the most beautiful regions of the planet, but much of it remains poorly understood.

Amid global concern about raging fires in the Amazon, Brazil's government complained on Aug. 22 that it is being targeted in smear campaign by critics who contend President Jair Bolsonaro is not doing enough to curb widespread deforestation.

The fires in the Amazon represent an "international crisis" and should be among the key topics that G7 leaders will address during their meeting, which begins tomorrow.

This was tweeted by French President Emmanuel Macron, who is hosting the forum, which will be held in the French city of Biarritz.

The Brazilian tropical forest in the Amazon is suffering a record number of fires this year, according to new data from the National Space Agency.

The National Space Research Institute (INPE) says its satellite images show an 83% increase over the same period in 2018.

The number of forest fires in Brazil surged in the first eight months of 2019, official data show, as President Jair Bolsonaro faces growing criticism over rampant destruction of the Amazon.    

Brazil and Bulgaria won in the first day of the men's volleyball Olympic qualification in Varna on Friday to battle for one ticket to Tokyo 2020.

South America's reigning Olympic champions beat Puerto Rico 3-0 (25-23, 25-19, 25-19), while the hosts defeated Egypt 3-1 (25-11, 33-31, 19-25, 25-19) in the Palace of Culture and Sports on the Black Sea coast.